A Lagrangian-Based Approach for Determining Trajectories Taxonomy and Turbulence Regimes

Abstract The use of the ratio between the acceleration and velocity time scales y = Ta/Tυ to separate Lagrangian trajectories in homogeneous classes is proposed. In fact, when analyzing subsurface floats data in the Atlantic Ocean and surface drifters data in the world's ocean basins, it is observed that trajectories having different values of y are characterized by different shapes, correlation, and dispersal properties. In particular, trajectories having similar values of the acceleration and velocity time scales clearly show the influence of eddies and are characterized by an oscillating velocity correlation function. It is shown here that this trajectory screening is a useful procedure to rationalize the analysis of real Lagrangian trajectories and to avoid a mixture of different regimes, when averaging quantities. The mean statistical quantities computed averaging on quasi-homogeneous datasets put in evidence the role of the coherent structures in the dispersion properties, both in time and in the main oceanic current systems. These results are discussed in the context of the parameterization of eddy diffusivity in general circulation models

Sensitivity of the Mediterranean circulation to horizontal space-time–dependent tracer diffusivity field in a OGCM

The sensitivity of the Mediterranean circulation to the variability of the horizontal mixing is investigated using a Bryan-Cox–type general circulation model (OGCM). Attention is focused on a parameterisation of mixing previously developed in the context of two-dimensional turbulence, that is for the first time implemented in a OGCM. This parameterisation is suitable for velocity fields characterised by the presence of geostrophic coherent structures, and it is a direct application of the well-known Taylor’s dispersion relation. Theoretical and experimental justifications of the parameterisation are discussed and results from four numerical experiments, with different tracer mixing schemes, are presented. In particular, it is shown that the proposed diffusivity parameterisation improves the tracers transport due to large eddy dynamics and, ensuring a more correct salt budget in the North western part of the basin, contributes to maintain a realistic vertical stratification and winter deep convection in long climatic integrations

Distribution and ecology of <i>Pseudo-nitzschia</i> species (Bacillariophyceae) in surface waters of the Weddell Sea (Antarctica)

The distribution of six Pseudo-nitzschia species and their relationship with environmental conditions were studied for the first time in a vast zone of the Weddell Sea (∼61–77°S, Antarctica). Both qualitative and quantitative phytoplankton samples, collected during summer 2004, were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Phytoplankton abundance and composition showed great variability along our study area. Diatoms were the most conspicuous phytoplankton group in the northern area while small flagellates were generally dominant in the southern stations. The genus Pseudo-nitzschia was broadly distributed and significantly contributed to total diatom densities. A marked contrast in Pseudo-nitzschia species distribution was observed in three main zones divided by the Weddell Front (WF) and the Antarctic Slope Front (ASF). P. subcurvata and P. turgiduloides were the most abundant species in the neritic Weddell Sea zone, south of the ASF, mainly near the ice-edge in shallower waters and in conditions of long photoperiod. In contrast, P. prolongatoides and P. lineola dominated north of the ASF; the first was associated with deeper and nutrient-rich waters whereas the latter showed a weak relation with environmental variables examined. Finally, P. turgidula and P. heimii were mostly observed in the Weddell–Scotia Confluence Zone in the warmest and far from ice covered waters, north of the WF. A brief morphological Pseudo-nitzschia species description is given in the Appendix, including morphometrics and pictures.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Role of surface fluxes in ocean general circulation models using satellite sea surface temperature: Validation of and sensitivity to the forcing frequency of the Mediterranean thermohaline circulation

International audienc

An eddy-permitting model of the Mediterranean Sea with a two-way grid refinement at Gibraltar.

International audienceAn eddy-permitting model of View the MathML source resolution is implemented covering the whole Mediterranean Sea. Within this grid a View the MathML source resolution model of the Strait of Gibraltar is embedded. The two grids belong to different models that are coupled through an external parallel driver. The robustness of the adopted grid refinement procedure is tested on a multi-decadal integration simulating the present climate. The good agreement found between the model circulation and most of the available observations confirms both the robustness and effectiveness of the two-way grid refinement technique. The effects produced on the Mediterranean circulation by the grid refinement are investigated through the comparison of two simulations differing only in the presence of the grid refinement. Even though the main characteristics of the thermohaline circulation appear similar in the two simulations, some quantitative and qualitative differences are observed: the main differences found in the Strait of Gibraltar propagate into the whole basin, have an impact on the water column stratification, and consequently on the convection events

Seasonal Probability Dispersion Maps in the Mediterranean Sea obtained from the MFS Eulerian velocity fields

International audienc